Parisian house duo Alva debut with Mental Scapes. "Downtown," with its disco rhythm and deep atmospheres, recalls of '90s French house. "The Shore" is a very deep production with a groovy, minimal bass; incisive hi-hats and rides; and a sensual vocal. "Lighthouse" sits somewhere between techno, soul, and NY house. "Playground," recorded in one shot, is a short, downtempo track that closes things out in a groovy way.